Disney Princesses Reign: Magic Kingdom Debuts an Updated Fantasyland

Thursday

Dec 6, 2012 at 12:35 PM

Belle must be excited. The star of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" finally has a permanent home inside the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland, and she was able to share it with the world Thursday. Walt Disney World officially opened its New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, and it was a star-studded affair.

By MATT REINSTETLETHE LEDGER

LAKE BUENA VISTA | Belle must be excited.

The star of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" finally has a permanent home inside the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland, and she was able to share it with the world Thursday.

Walt Disney World officially opened its New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, and it was a star-studded affair.

The opening ceremonies included a musical performance by former "American Idol" star Jordin Sparks, appearances by several Disney princesses, a dedication by "Once Upon a Time" star Ginnifer Goodwin and a speech by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.

The $425 million expansion is the biggest in the 41-year history of the Magic Kingdom.

Staggs spoke about Disney founder Walt Disney saying his parks would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world.

"I think it's clear from the stunning work that's gone into every aspect of New Fantasyland that there's still plenty of imagination left in our world, and I think Walt would be extremely proud of thousands of cast members and Imagineers whose tireless efforts made New Fantasyland a reality," Staggs said.

The New Fantasyland is made up of two areas: The Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus.

The Enchanted Forest is inspired by films "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid."

The new Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid has guests riding in a clam shell, which seats up to four people, and experiencing the music and story of the film.

"Little Mermaid is my favorite princess," said Kayla Malcolm, 19, from Panama City. "I was very excited about the ride and I love it. It's adorable with the little songs."

Next to the ride is Ariel's Grotto, where guests come face-to-face with the mermaid princess and take photos.

There are multiple new eateries inspired by "Beauty and the Beast." Gaston's Tavern is named after the character trying — with unfortunate results — to win the affection of Belle. The tavern features details from the film, including Gaston's Chair and a chandelier made entirely of deer antlers.

The food options include giant cinnamon rolls, turkey legs and the featured food item called LeFou's Brew, a frozen apple juice drink with a toasted marshmallow flavor topped with passion fruit-mango foam.

"We saw last night the Beauty and the Beast section, which was amazing with the new shop and restaurants," said Audra Zammit, 37, of Nashville, who was on vacation with her husband and two boys. "The scenery was amazing. That was pretty cool for the kids and us."

Be Our Guest is an upscale dining experience that brings the "Beauty and the Beast" story to life. Reservations are required after 4 p.m., with normal seating during lunch hours. Prices range from $15 to $37 per person at night and $15 or less for lunch.

The entrance to Be Our Guest is across a bridge, with a view of The Beast's castle.

Tami Cline, 42, of Plant City, went to a Disney passholders' sneak preview with her family in November and gave the new additions rave reviews.

"I was really worried when they said they were going to have a second castle, that it was going to take away from Cinderella's, but it was done very tastefully," Cline said in a phone interview. "It's small, sitting against some mountains, and I think it's great. It opens up a whole new, big area, which will spread out the crowds."

Storybook Circus is inspired by Disney's 1941 classic "Dumbo" with a traveling circus theme. The section features four attractions, including a second Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. The newer Dumbo has each carousel spinning in opposite directions. The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini is a family-friendly roller coaster.

Storybook Circus opened earlier this year and the wait times were much shorter — average 20 minutes — than the waits for the attractions in The Enchanted Forest, which were about an hour.

The New Fantasyland is officially open, but this isn't the end of construction. Temporary walls are still up around parts of the new section as The Princess Fairytale Hall, a meet-and-greet area with Disney princesses, is scheduled to open in 2013, and The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a family-friendly roller coaster, will open in 2014.

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